How to Properly Care for Varicose Veins

In modern times, sometimes veins and valves are damaged and do not work the way they should. The blood that passes through the veins, which are assisted by the valves, does not have oxygen until it reaches the lungs and the heart where it then gets oxygenated. This is why the veins in the leg area are darker in color, usually blue or violet.

This condition of varicose veins happens most of the time in the leg area, where pressure coming from the weight of the whole body is distributed. The veins that become visible just below the skin’s surface are varicose veins.

If someone in your family has had this condition, chances are good that you will develop it too. In other words, the disorder is partially genetic. Yet some people also develop varicose veins due to the nature of their work or daily activities, while others develop it after suffering from physical trauma and/or illnesses like respiratory problems and digestive issues. This condition is most common for women, and the risk of developing varicose veins increases as the person ages, usually 40 and above. In some cases, varicose veins can appear at an early age. In such a case the problem starts appearing through simple and common symptoms, like numbness in the leg area, painful muscles in the legs, either in motion or not, and itchiness. Usually, if the varicose veins are not detected and managed during the early stage, they become full blown.

This is often the case for all physical conditions. The moment the valves start malfunctioning the veins automatically become affected, and the linings or walls of the veins weaken as the pressure from the blood continues. Although most of the time, varicose veins do not lead to anything serious, the risk of the condition escalating should not be fully discarded. In some cases, simple varicose veins may lead to deep thrombosis, leg ulcer, blood, vein, or valve infections (which can spread to other body parts), and vein, valve, or muscle inflammation.

Doctors can easily point out the problem by means of different diagnostic procedures and physical tests. Doctors can gather pertinent information by administering further analysis and laboratory works, such as advanced imaging tests to those experiencing advanced varicose veins. These tests can reveal when the condition may lead to different complications. Advanced imaging tests help the doctor see other parts of the vein that are situated more deeply. For example, the Duplex Doppler Ultrasonography, which is similar to an x-ray, provides detailed imagery of what is inside. This type of technology is safe and known to be non-invasive.

How to Minimize the Risk of Developing Varicose Veins

While varicose veins are not fatal compared to other physical conditions, the effects of varicose veins can be really irritating and uncomfortable. This is why it is important to reduce the risk of developing them before they become present. Some simple things you can do to reduce the risk of developing varicose veins include taking a walk everyday, elevating the legs, especially after standing for a long period of time, and keeping some leg movement whenever sitting a long time.

The wearing of special stockings reinforces the leg muscles and also helps in reducing the risk of varicose veins from developing, or at least reducing its symptoms. Those people who are overweight or obese must lose some weight, reducing to their ideal weight based on their Body Mass Index (BMI). This will in turn reduce the pressure of the weight distributed to the legs and lower back.

The Role of Medical Procedures in Dealing with Varicose Veins

Some studies suggest that taking supplements can help eliminate varicose veins and their symptoms. Others suggest taking diuretics to minimize the symptoms, but this is only because it reduces the body weight on the legs where there are many veins that can get affected and damaged.

Horse Chestnut and Butcher’s Broom are just a few of the many natural ingredients noted to be helpful in clinical studies for minimizing varicose veins and its symptoms.

If simple solutions and supplements fail to work, invasive medical procedures may be required to resolve the problem.

Injections and laser therapy are quite popular for those who have extra money to undergo the procedures. Yet, there is little evidence documenting their effectiveness.

Sclerotherapy is another medical procedure you can choose to resolve varicose veins. It is another form of an injection that infuses some chemicals into the veins to disintegrate the blood vessel. Some claim that this procedure may cause side effects, but those medical experts practicing it claim that the procedure is generally effective for small and minor veins.

Nevertheless, the most common type of procedure for varicose veins is still surgery, especially when the saphenous vein is already affected. Surgical procedures for varicose veins usually involve interconnecting veins to create better blood flow and clean the blood clot. The downside of undergoing a medical procedure is that it can leave a scar from the incisions.

Even with such complicated procedures, it is still possible for varicose veins to return after some time.

Still, the best way to manage varicose veins is to get an early diagnosis and treatment. If the condition is not yet present, make sure to give the legs some occasional movement and exercise to keep the blood flowing well. Keep the body healthy and maintain a healthy weight in order to reduce the risk of varicose veins developing. Knowledge about varicose veins such as the triggers, symptoms, and what to do about them will also help stop the condition from developing.

*Results for individuals will vary, depending on existing health factors, lifestyle and level of fitness.
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